Patrick Leahy: “last week, the Standard Times of New Bedford, MA, published an op-ed piece by Senator Kennedy on the situation in East…”

“last week, the Standard Times of New Bedford, MA, published an op-ed piece by Senator Kennedy on the situation in East Timor, in which he discussed the legislation on East Timor that he introduced with Senator Chafee, which is also cosponsored by myself and Senators Feingold, Harkin, Kerry, Jeffords, and Reed. This legislation recently passed the House of Representatives as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act. Senator Kennedy's legislation would provide additional economic assistance for East Timor, which is struggling to overcome the violence and destruction perpetrated by Indonesian militias, with the support of the Indonesian military, after the vote for independence in August 1999. It would also provide for scholarships for East Timorese students, funding for the Peace Corps to start a program there, and other initiatives. This legislation outlines a comprehensive approach to a new, positive relationship between the United States and East Timor, including the establishment of full diplomatic relations as soon as independence takes place. As one who, like Senator Kennedy, has admired the courage and determination of the East Timorese people and their capable leaders, Xanana Gusmao and Jose Ramos-Horta, I commend him for this legislation and ask unanimous consent that his op-ed piece be printed in the Record.”